Category Archives: Current Events
2010-11 GPPSS Budget Development: Background, Process and Timeline
The 2010-11 Grosse Pointe Public School System budget will present perhaps the most difficult challenge to the district in its history. Approaching such a problem with stakes as high as they are will require careful planning, collaboration, and deliberation. Above all else, it requires an understanding of the dynamics that contribute to the current economic distress. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, GPPS Budget Decisions, GPPS Finances
School Employee Retirement Costs and the House of the Rising Sun
Most people know by now that Lansing is by far the most significant source of school district funding. Lansing is also the unilateral source of our second largest expense – employee retirement costs. Lansing sets the rates and we pay the bill – a financially lethal combination that puts local school boards in an unenviable predicament. Continue reading
“It’s Hard Getting Poor”
The State of Michigan has experienced a historical loss of wealth in the last decade. As everyone clamors for reforms in K-12 funding, that overall loss of wealth cannot be ignored. An orderly transition to a new level of economic equilibrium is needed to regain the stability our students need. Continue reading
Granholm, Detroit News Want to Make a Hard Job Even More Difficult
The drama of the state School Aid Budget for 2010 is now more certain. Gov. Granholm approved the $165 per pupil reduction, but also eliminated section 20J funds, which for Grosse Pointe means the loss of another $198 per pupil. This blog entry takes inventory of these events and takes issue with the Detroit News’ ill-advised editorial position on the Sinking Fund ballot question. Continue reading
Introducing the GPPSS Financial Transparency Series
Michigan public school financing and district budgeting can be a complex topic. In an effort to make this critical information more accessible to everyone, and to further improve on the Financial Transparency, a series of presentations has been published entitled the Grosse Pointe Public School System Financial Transparency Series. This blog introduces the Series. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, GPPS Finances
Action on 5th Grade Class Size
A Special Meeting of the Board of Education will take place this week where I will introduce a resolution to address the 5th grade class size concerns at Maire, Monteith and Trombly. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, GPPS Budget Decisions
Looking Ahead: August 24th Board Meeting Topics
A preview of issues to be discussed at the GPPSS Board Meetings of August 24th, 2009. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, Meeting or Agenda Announcement
Robert Bobb, Detroit Public Schools, and Grapes
Reflections on the situation facing the residents of Detroit and their public school system in regards to the efforts of emergency financial manager Robert Bobb and the shortfalls of the DPS Board of Education. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events
I have been a trustee on the Grosse Pointe Public School's Board of Education since August, 2005. My familiy resides in GP Park. My three children attend GPPS schools and I am a graduate of GP South High School and the University of Michigan. 
